No fewer than 1,613 Nigerians died in different petroleum tanker explosions and disasters between June 2009 and October 2024 in Nigeria.
Chairman Senate committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Babangida Hussaini stated this in an interview with The Nation in Jigawa State.
The Jigawa Northeast Senator explained in the period under review, many tragedies accidents occurred on roads which claimed lives and valuables items.
According to him: “There is really no official figures as to the number of accidents and disasters from petroleum tanker explosion.
“From a personal research conducted there where 169 fuel tankers accidents which led the death of 1,613 innocent Nigerians”.
He said in searching for the lasting solution to the challenge, the senate plenary led the debates of the general principles of articulated vehicles safety regulations bill 2025.
“The bill was read for the first time in November 2024, the bill is make a provision of regulations and safety of articulated vehicles in line with the construction of the federal republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
“One of the provisions of the bill is the aspect that sees to made it mandatory for vehicles to be inspected every six months in order to guarantee their road worthiness.
“This is necessary in the view of the facts that most of the accidents on our roads are caused by negligence of the vehicles owners or drivers whom most times could not takes road worthiness in to considerations as so long as they are moving,” he explained.
Large numbers of deaths from explosions by broken-down or tumbled fuel-laden tankers, as people in nearby areas seek to take advantage of the situation to scoop or siphon petrol illegally, has become an increasingly frequent occurrence on highways in urban and rural locations across the country. Widespread publicity of these tragic occurrences, unfortunately, do not deter large crowds from refusing to learn the appropriate lessons and refraining from engaging in such hazardous practice when fuel tankers are involved in road accidents. On January 18, one of such incidents occurred at Dikko junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, resulting in the death of at least 98 persons and 69 injured, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
Surprisingly, barely two days after this tragedy, scores of people trooped out to scoop what was initially presumed to be fuel when another tanker fell and exploded in Bida town in Niger State. Fortunately, this time around, the content of the overturned vehicle turned out to be groundnut oil which was also scooped away in large quantities, but with no fatalities. In the earlier incident at Dikko junction, security men, including police officers and vigilantes who tried to prevent people from endangering their lives by scooping fuel were reportedly resisted and overpowered.
On October 15, 2024, a fuel tanker exploded in Majiya town in Jigawa State killing about 200 people and injuring at least 124 others. The vehicle had reportedly tumbled while attempting to avoid crashing into a truck, leading to its content spilling on the road. About a month after this, a fuel-laden tanker erupted in flames at the Jigawa-Kano border, although there were no casualties on this occasion, thanks to the proactive action of the Kuho Village Head, Zubairu Ahmad, who not only alerted the Federal Fire Service but helped to mobilise people against going near the tanker. And, on January 25, many commuters were feared dead and eight vehicles burnt when a tanker conveying fuel fell and exploded at the Ugwu-Onyeama axis, Off Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. The number of fatalities was not immediately certain. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel and other security agencies were engaged in trying to extricate charred bodies of victims.
In 2020, the FRSC listed 1,531 fuel tanker accidents which claimed 535 lives, an indication of how rampant these incidents have become, and the situation has worsened since then.
This is why the National Orientation Agency (NOA) did not have to wait for President Bola Tinubu’s directive to launch a campaign against the scooping of fuel when tanker accidents occur. Such a campaign ought to have been in place long before now, although it is never too late to start. The desperation of those who endanger their lives to scoop fuel from fallen tankers should remind the authorities of the need to intensify efforts to mitigate the level of economic hardships in the country, although poverty alone cannot be a valid excuse for such self-destructive acts.
The frequency with which these tanker accidents occur raises a number of issues that should be urgently addressed to drastically reduce such tragic incidents and safeguard lives and property. First, is the practice of fuel being conveyed across long distances by road to various points of discharge. While the plan by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. to repair and put in use its several kilometres of abandoned fuel pipelines across the country will reduce the distance required to deliver fuel and is welcome, the option of transporting fuel by rail should be urgently considered, as this is safer, more cost effective and efficient than doing so through tankers.
Again, the condition and road worthiness of the tankers is often questionable, raising questions about the effectiveness of the various agencies responsible for maintaining requisite safety standards of vehicles plying our highways. A related issue is that of the driving proficiency of those who drive the tankers and their compliance with road safety culture, such as abiding by stipulated speed limits, taking appropriate rest before driving long distances as well as refraining from consumption of alcohol and other substances that impair mental clarity while behind the wheels.
It has also been pointed out that the state of most of our roads is deplorable and contributes significantly to traffic accidents involving fuel tankers and other vehicles. The need to avoid the large number of fatalities caused by road accidents and the attendant large scale economic loss that arise from destruction of property when accidents occur should spur the requisite authorities to more effectively tackle the humongous corruption, inefficiency and tardiness of contractors that is largely responsible for the unacceptable large number of bad roads in the country.
Piqued by incessant tanker explosions in recent times, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Abdulganiyu Olola Jaji, said on Thursday that henceforth tankers on Nigerian roads must be fortified with anti-spill locks.
Jaji said the measure became imperative to prevent spillage and scooping of combustible petroleum products from scenes of accidents across the country.
Jaji who expressed concerns over tanker explosions across the country which had claimed scores of human lives, said the development necessitated his visit to the headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday.
The FFS boss said the Service in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) is working together on ways to ensure seamless rescue operations at scenes of accidents and prevent tanker explosion-related carnage in the country.
According to him, the synergy between the FFS and FRSC would entail the deployment of FFS personnel to FRSC checkpoints/posts, especially along the Highways to ensure tanker drivers and commercial vehicles comply with safety rules and regulations on the use of functional fire extinguishers, anti-spill locks and other safety equipment.
Jaji said: “What we discovered regarding usage of functional fire extinguishers by motorists and tankers drivers call for concern and synergy. If you are not a professional, you would not know that many fire extinguishers motorists carry about are fake. Some of them have contents like grounded cassava.
“Also, we discovered that those who have functional fire extinguishers do not know the mechanism of activating them to put out the fire. So these are the issues. We need to deploy our personnel to FRSC checkpoints/Stations along the highways to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.”
Jaji made the remarks while speaking with journalists shortly after addressing personnel of the FFS currently undergoing Chief Superintendent of Fire Training Courses at the Federal Fire Academy, Sheda, Abuja.
Jaji, who underscored the significance of the Training for over 300 participants, said there is no way any of them can move to the next rank or seat for promotion examinations without undergoing the training programme.
He dismissed insinuations that beneficiaries of the training programme were not provided accommodation and paid their necessary allowances.
Jaji who conducted newsmen around the accommodation facilities provided for the personnel undergoing the training programme, insisted that the challenges facing the FFS at the moment far outweigh complaints about feeding and accommodation of personnel at the training programme.
He said: “I am shocked, that despite providing accommodation and making sure to feed you people twice a day, some mischievous personnel are telling lies to the public that they are stranded and hungry. I challenge any officer here, who is excluded in this provision to prove me wrong.
“As you all know, the welfare of my officers is my priority. However, I refuse to be discouraged, knowing so well that criticism makes a true administrator.
“This is in our determination to equip our men with the best skills and knowledge of the job.
“The service places a high premium on the training and welfare of officers, and we will always do what it takes to give our officers the best.
“As we commence this training, I must address the rising number of fire-related disasters, particularly tanker explosions, in 2025. These incidents are preventable, and all fuel tankers and vehicles transporting flammable substances must be equipped with Anti-Spill Locks to prevent fuel spillage during accidents, thereby reducing the risk of explosions.
“To this end, I recently engaged with the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, to discuss practical solutions to these challenges.
“Our discussions emphasized the urgent need for regulatory enforcement, regular vehicle inspections, functional fire extinguishers in tankers, and strict adherence to safety standards. It is also crucial that drivers undergo thorough evaluations to ensure they meet the highest professional standards.”
“As we embark on this six-week training program, I urge each participant to take full advantage of the knowledge and skills being imparted.”
In a bid to mitigate the rising number of fatalities resulting from tanker explosions, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Federal Fire Service (FFS) have announced a partnership to enhance emergency response and prevention strategies.
The partnership is aimed at eliminating fire-related crashes on roads, reducing the incidence and severity of tanker explosions, ultimately saving lives, and promoting safer and more secure roads.
The partnership was formalized on Wednesday, January 29, by the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, and the Controller-General, FFS, Engr. Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, at the FRSC Headquarters Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Corps Marshal of FRSC said the two agencies will collaborate in the areas of joint training, enforcement patrol, and data sharing that will enhance response times and effectiveness.
While noting that by combining expertise and resources, the agencies can significantly reduce the risk of escalation of fire-related crashes and make the roads safer for all users, the Corps Marshal said that the partnership was a testament to the Corps’ commitment to safety and determination to explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing the nation’s transportation sector.
He said: “The joint training program will focus on equipping personnel from both agencies with the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to fire-related crashes. The program will cover topics such as fire prevention, firefighting, and emergency response.
“In addition to the joint training program, the partnership will also involve improved data sharing and effective patrol operations between the two agencies to enforce compliance on having fire extinguishers in vehicles. This will enable them to share critical information on fire-related crashes, including incident locations, response times, and outcomes.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Controller-General of FFS, said the collaborative efforts by agencies mark a significant milestone in the quest to reduce the incidence of fire-related crashes on Nigerian roads.
He noted that the FFS was committed to protecting lives and properties, adding that the partnership would enable the two services to respond more effectively to fire-related emergencies on the roads.
He said the partnership serves as a model for future collaborations between agencies and underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in achieving shared goals.
Sir: In recent months, Nigeria has been plagued by overwhelming tanker explosions, leading to the tragic loss of lives and destruction of properties. On October 15, 2024, a petrol-laden tanker overturned near Majiya village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, spilling its contents into a drainage. The resulting explosion claimed the lives of 181 people, affected 210 families, and left 80 individuals hospitalized. The incident ranks among the deadliest tanker-related disasters in the country’s history, yet the lessons it should have taught seem to be largely ignored.
Barely three months later, on January 18, another horrific tanker explosion occurred in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. A 60,000-litre petrol tanker detached from its head and exploded, killing at least 86 people and causing untold suffering. Despite repeated occurrences, these tragic events seem to elicit little change in behaviour or safety measures, raising the question: When will we, as a nation, begin to prioritize lives over carelessness?
Meanwhile, On January 22, yet another tanker explosion was reported in Ibadan, where a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) exploded. This, however, claimed the life of the driver and injured one other person.
The magnitude of these losses is gargantuan. In just three months, over 300 lives have been lost to tanker explosions. To put this into perspective, the California wildfires, which ravaged large areas over two weeks, claimed only 27 lives. The difference emphasizes glaring gap in safety practices and public awareness between Nigeria and other nations.
It is high time that relevant authorities, particularly the National Orientation Agency (NOA), rise to the occasion. Public sensitization campaigns are urgently needed to educate citizens about the dangers of recklessness in handling fuel tankers and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Awareness drives should extend to drivers, transport companies, and residents in high-risk areas to minimize the chances of such tragedies recurring.
The government must also enforce stricter regulations on tanker operations. This includes mandatory inspections to ensure that tankers are roadworthy and equipped with modern safety features. The use of outdated or poorly maintained tankers should be banned outright, with heavy penalties imposed on violators.
Moreover, emergency response systems need significant improvement. In many cases, the high death toll is exacerbated by the delayed arrival of first responders and inadequate medical facilities. Local governments should invest in equipping fire stations and hospitals to handle emergencies effectively.
Communities must also play their part by staying vigilant and cooperating with authorities. Residents should avoid crowding around accident scenes involving tankers, as this increases the risk of casualties in the event of an explosion. The culture of bystanders rushing to scoop fuel from leaking tankers is a dangerous practice that needs to be eradicated through sustained education.
The root causes of these explosions must be tackled comprehensively. Overloading, poor road conditions and negligent driving practices all contribute to these disasters. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach involving government agencies, transport unions, and civil society organizations.
While immediate measures are fundamental, long-term solutions must also be considered. Transitioning to alternative methods of fuel transportation, such as pipelines, would significantly reduce the reliance on road tankers. This requires comprehensive investment and political will, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Comparing Nigeria’s frequent tanker explosions to incidents in other countries reveals the urgency of reform. In advanced nations, strict safety regulations and effective emergency response systems have minimized such occurrences. Nigeria can and must adopt similar measures to safeguard its citizens.
The pain of losing loved ones to preventable disasters cannot be overstated. For the families of the victims, the wounds left by these tragedies may never fully heal. As a society, we owe it to them to ensure that their losses are not in vain by taking decisive steps to prevent future occurrences. The time to act is now. Government agencies, private organizations, and individuals must come together to address this recurring menace.
In a nutshell, tanker explosions have become a national crisis that requires urgent attention. If we fail to learn from these incidents, the cycle of death and destruction will only continue. It is time to take decisive measures.
